Jockey Jose Ortiz Plans to Return to Races July 26

Jockey Jose Ortiz, who was involved in an ugly spill at the end of the first race at Saratoga Race Course July 21, was back on the Spa backstretch July 23, but he said he most likely will not ride in a race again until July 26.

Ortiz was unseated at the finish of the 5 1/2 furlong race on the main track when his mount Same Old Fears  fell at the end of the race, pitching Ortiz to the ground. He was diagnosed with bruised ribs after being taken to Albany Medical Center by ambulance, which is 30 miles from Saratoga.

"I feel OK. Sore, but good," Ortiz said. "I am just taking it day by day. It feels a little better every day, but I am still very sore."

Same Old Fears, trained and owned by Wesley Ward, was unhurt.

Ortiz actually did some work on Sunday as he breezed a horse for trainer Jonathan Thomas on the Oklahoma training turf course.

He said he did watch the replay of Friday's race which was originally carded for 5 1/2 furlongs on the Mellon Turf Course but was moved to the main track because of overnight rain.

"I wanted to see how I landed," he said. "Of course, it could have been a lot worse. I'm just happy to be able to go home and see my family."

Heading into the July 23 Saratoga card, Ortiz was tied for second with Luis Saez with eight riding wins. They are chasing Irad Ortiz, Jr., who has opened up a big lead with 19 wins. He won five races July 22 after winning four July 21.